Show ContentsWheeler History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

The many generations and branches of the Wheeler family can all place the origins of their surname with the ancient Anglo-Saxon culture. Their name reveals that an early member worked as a wheelwright. In medieval times wheels were wooden and quite fragile and high maintenance. Thus there was a high demand for both wheels and skilled people to make and repair them. [1]

"The name of Houelleur which means 'charron' [cartwright] in English, is as common, at least in the Cotentin, as that of Carron or Charron. I imagine that it was introduced into Normandy during the thirty-two years' occupation of this country by the English. " [2]

Accordingly, the Magni Rotuli Scaccarii Normanniae lists Osmondus Huielor, Normandy 1198; William and Roger Huelier, 1180-95. [3]

Early Origins of the Wheeler family

The surname Wheeler was first found in Worcestershire where they held a family seat from ancient times, before and after the Norman Conquest in 1066, at Martin Hussingtree. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 has only one listing for the family: Hugh le Welere, Cambridgeshire. [1] Kirby's Quest lists "William Wheler, Somerset, 1 Edward III. [during the first year's reign of King Edward III] " [4]

Early History of the Wheeler family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Wheeler research. Another 100 words (7 lines of text) covering the years 1591, 1601, 1603, 1604, 1608, 1615, 1620, 1642, 1647, 1648, 1650, 1656, 1664, 1683, 1686, 1691, 1694, 1723 and 1727 are included under the topic Early Wheeler History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Wheeler Spelling Variations

Before the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Wheeler were recorded, including Wheeler, Wheler, Wheller and others.

Early Notables of the Wheeler family

Distinguished members of the family include

  • John Wheeler (fl. 1601-1608), secretary of the Merchant Adventurers' Company, was probably born at Great Yarmouth...
  • Maurice Wheeler (1648?-1727), was an English divine and almanac-maker, born in 1647 or 1648, the son of Maurice Wheeler 'plebeius,' who in 1664 was living at St...
  • Sir Francis Wheler (Wheeler) (1656-1694), was a British officer of the Royal Navy who served during the Nine Years' War...

Wheeler World Ranking

In the United States, the name Wheeler is the 208th most popular surname with an estimated 126,837 people with that name. [5] However, in Canada, the name Wheeler is ranked the 590th most popular surname with an estimated 8,524 people with that name. [6] And in Newfoundland, Canada, the name Wheeler is the 77th popular surname with an estimated 355 people with that name. [7] Australia ranks Wheeler as 333rd with 10,705 people. [8] New Zealand ranks Wheeler as 268th with 2,253 people. [9] The United Kingdom ranks Wheeler as 230th with 25,192 people. [10]

Ireland Migration of the Wheeler family to Ireland

Some of the Wheeler family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt.
Another 41 words (3 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.


United States Wheeler migration to the United States +

To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Wheeler family emigrate to North America:

Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 17th Century
  • Hester Wheeler, who landed in Virginia in 1619 [11]
  • Henrie Wheeler, aged 20, who landed in Virginia in 1620 aboard teh ship "Tryall/Triall" [11]
  • Isaac Wheeler, who settled in Charlestown, Massachusetts between 1620-1650
  • Henry Wheeler, who settled in Virginia in 1623
  • Anders Wheeler, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1627 [11]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 18th Century
  • Phillip Wheeler, who landed in Virginia in 1704 [11]
  • Mary Wheeler, who landed in Virginia in 1705 [11]
  • Francis Wheeler, who landed in Virginia in 1705 [11]
  • Henry Wheeler, who arrived in Virginia in 1722 [11]
  • John Wheeler, who landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1744 [11]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 19th Century
  • James Wheeler, aged 29, who arrived in New York in 1812 [11]
  • Josiah Wheeler, aged 22, who landed in South Carolina in 1812 [11]
  • Daniel Wheeler, who arrived in Charleston, South Carolina in 1826 [11]
  • George Wheeler, who arrived in New York, NY in 1834 [11]
  • Elijah Wheeler, who arrived in Texas in 1835 [11]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Wheeler Settlers in United States in the 20th Century
  • Mr. Benjamin Wheeler, aged 9, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Mr. Joseph Wheeler, aged 46, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Miss Martha Wheeler, aged 14, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Mrs. Mary A. Wheeler, aged 48, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863
  • Mr. Samuel Wheeler, aged 13, British settler who arrived in New York aboard the ship "Cynosure" in 1863

Canada Wheeler migration to Canada +

Some of the first settlers of this family name were:

Wheeler Settlers in Canada in the 18th Century
  • Ruth Wheeler, who landed in Nova Scotia in 1749-1752
  • Abraham Wheeler, who arrived in Nova Scotia in 1760
  • Mr. Ephraim Wheeler U.E. who settled in Home District [York County], Ontario c. 1784 [12]
  • Mr. George Wheeler U.E. born in Livingston Manor, Albany County, New York, USA who settled in Oromocto, Sunbury County, New Brunswick c. 1784 [12]
  • Mr. Hezekiah Wheeler U.E. who settled in St. Mary's Bay, Digby County, Nova Scotia c. 1784 he served in the Loyalists, listed on the Muster Roll at Gulliver's Hole, St. Mary's Bay and Sissiboo, he served in the Loyalist Regiment [12]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)
Wheeler Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century
  • Gerhard Wheeler, who landed in Canada in 1832
  • Charles Munro Wheeler, who landed in Canada in 1834

Australia Wheeler migration to Australia +

Emigration to Australia followed the First Fleets of convicts, tradespeople and early settlers. Early immigrants include:

Wheeler Settlers in Australia in the 19th Century
  • Mr. George Wheeler, British convict who was convicted in Abingdon, Berkshire, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Calcutta" in February 1803, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [13]
  • Miss Jane Wheeler, (b. 1794), aged 19, Irish convict who was convicted in Cork, Ireland for 7 years, transported aboard the "Catherine" on 8th December 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [14]
  • Mr. James Wheeler, (b. 1759), aged 54, British Convict who was convicted in Middlesex, England for life for stealing, transported aboard the "Earl Spencer" in May 1813, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [15]
  • Miss Mary Wheeler, English convict who was convicted in London, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Broxbournebury" in January 1814, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [16]
  • Mr. Edward Wheeler, English convict who was convicted in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, England for 7 years, transported aboard the "Baring" in April 1815, arriving in New South Wales, Australia [17]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

New Zealand Wheeler migration to New Zealand +

Emigration to New Zealand followed in the footsteps of the European explorers, such as Captain Cook (1769-70): first came sealers, whalers, missionaries, and traders. By 1838, the British New Zealand Company had begun buying land from the Maori tribes, and selling it to settlers, and, after the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840, many British families set out on the arduous six month journey from Britain to Aotearoa to start a new life. Early immigrants include:

Wheeler Settlers in New Zealand in the 19th Century
  • William Wheeler, who landed in Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand in 1840
  • Edwin Wheeler, who landed in Wellington, New Zealand in 1840
  • Mr. Robert Wheeler, (b. 1806), aged 34, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Slains Castle" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 25th January 1841 [18]
  • Mrs. Sarah Wheeler, (b. 1817), aged 23, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Slains Castle" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 25th January 1841 [18]
  • Miss Jean Wheeler, (b. 1836), aged 4, British settler travelling from London aboard the ship "Slains Castle" arriving in Wellington, New Zealand on 25th January 1841 [18]
  • ... (More are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

West Indies Wheeler migration to West Indies +

The British first settled the British West Indies around 1604. They made many attempts but failed in some to establish settlements on the Islands including Saint Lucia and Grenada. By 1627 they had managed to establish settlements on St. Kitts (St. Christopher) and Barbados, but by 1641 the Spanish had moved in and destroyed some of these including those at Providence Island. The British continued to expand the settlements including setting the First Federation in the British West Indies by 1674; some of the islands include Barbados, Bermuda, Cayman Island, Turks and Caicos, Jamaica and Belize then known as British Honduras. By the 1960's many of the islands became independent after the West Indies Federation which existed from 1958 to 1962 failed due to internal political conflicts. After this a number of Eastern Caribbean islands formed a free association. [19]
Wheeler Settlers in West Indies in the 17th Century
  • John Wheeler, who arrived in Barbados in 1679

Contemporary Notables of the name Wheeler (post 1700) +

  • Ted Wheeler (1931-2022), American middle-distance runner who competed in the men's 1500 metres at the 1956 Summer Olympics
  • Charles Bertan Wheeler Jr. (1926-2022), American politician, Missouri State Senator (2003-2007), Mayor of Kansas City, Missouri (1971-1979)
  • David Wheeler (1949-2022), American politician, Member of the Alabama House of Representatives (2018-2022)
  • Robert J. "Bob" Wheeler (1931-2021), American ice hockey left winger
  • Richard Shaw Wheeler (1935-2019), American author and newspaper editor, best known for his novels set in the American West, 2001 recipient of the Owen Wister Award for lifetime contributions to Western literature
  • Clinton Wheeler (1959-2019), American professional NBA basketball player
  • George Montague Wheeler (1842-1905), American explorer and cartographer, leader of the Wheeler Survey
  • Billy Edward "Edd" Wheeler (b. 1932), American songwriter, performer, writer, and visual artist
  • Daniel Michael "Dan" Wheeler (b. 1977), American Major League Baseball pitcher
  • William A Wheeler (1819-1887), American legislator and politician, Vice-President United States (1877-81)
  • ... (Another 21 notables are available in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.)

Arrow Air Flight 1285
  • Mr. Frank Charles Wheeler (1966-1985), American Specialist 4th Class from Odell, Texas, USA who died in the Arrow Air Flight 1285 crash [20]
HMS Hood
  • Mr. Francis W Wheeler (b. 1920), English Able Seaman serving for the Royal Navy from Newchapel, Lingfield, Surrey, England, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [21]
  • Mr. Ernest F Wheeler (b. 1910), Gunner serving for the Royal Navy, who sailed into battle and died in the HMS Hood sinking [21]
HMS Prince of Wales
  • Mr. Aubrey John Wheeler, British Pay Commander, who sailed into battle on the HMS Prince of Wales (1941) and survived the sinking [22]
HMS Royal Oak
  • Douglas R. Wheeler, British Sub-Lieutenant with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he survived the sinking [23]
  • Edward Wheeler (d. 1939), British Able Seaman with the Royal Navy aboard the HMS Royal Oak (1939) when she was torpedoed by U-47 and sunk; he died in the sinking [23]
Mount Mulligan Mine
  • Thomas George Wheeler, (Reginald Wheelan), Australian coal miner who was killed in the Mount Mulligan Mine explosion in 1921
RMS Titanic
  • Mr. Edwin Charles "Fred" Wheeler (d. 1912), aged 24, English Second Class passenger from Bath, Somerset who sailed aboard the RMS Titanic and died in the sinking [24]


The Wheeler Motto +

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

Motto: Avito jure
Motto Translation: By ancestral right.


Suggested Readings for the name Wheeler +

  • Ancestors of Our Grandchildren and Their Cousins, 1742-1977 by Harriet R. Frische.
  • The Genealogy of Samual North Wheeler and Theodora La Barre of Hancock, N.Y. by Thomas J. Wheeler.
  • Bond-Wheeler Genealogy with Related Families by Lorene Bond Prewitt.

  1. Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)
  2. Lower, Mark Anthony, Patronymica Britannica, A Dictionary of Family Names of the United Kingdom. London: John Russel Smith, 1860. Print.
  3. The Norman People and Their Existing Descendants in the British Dominions and the United States Of America. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1975. Print. (ISBN 0-8063-0636-X)
  4. Dickinson, F.H., Kirby's Quest for Somerset of 16th of Edward the 3rd London: Harrison and Sons, Printers in Ordinary to Her Majesty, St, Martin's Lane, 1889. Print.
  5. "What are the 5,000 Most Common Last Names in the U.S.?". NameCensus.com, https://namecensus.com/last-names/
  6. "Surnames Meanings, Origins & Distribution Maps - Forebears." Forebears, https://forebears.io/surnames
  7. The order of Common Surnames in 1955 in Newfoundland retrieved on 20th October 2021 (retrieved from Family Names of the Island of Newfoundland by E.R. Seary corrected edition ISBN 0-7735-1782-0)
  8. "Most Common Last Names in Australia." Forebears, https://forebears.io/australia/surnames
  9. "Most Common Last Names in New Zealand." Forebears, https://forebears.io/new-zealand/surnames
  10. "UK surname ranking." UK Surname map, https://www.surnamemap.eu/unitedkingdom/surnames_ranking.php?p=10
  11. Filby, P. William, Meyer, Mary K., Passenger and immigration lists index : a guide to published arrival records of about 500,000 passengers who came to the United States and Canada in the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. 1982-1985 Cumulated Supplements in Four Volumes Detroit, Mich. : Gale Research Co., 1985, Print (ISBN 0-8103-1795-8)
  12. Rubincam, Milton. The Old United Empire Loyalists List. Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc, 1976. (Originally published as; United Empire Loyalists. The Centennial of the Settlement of Upper Canada. Rose Publishing Company, 1885.) ISBN 0-8063-0331-X
  13. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 25th November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/calcutta
  14. Convict Records of Australia (Retreived 2nd January 2021, retreived from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/catherine
  15. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 8th September 2021). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/earl-spencer
  16. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 3rd November 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/broxbournebury
  17. Convict Records Voyages to Australia (Retrieved 16th September 2020). Retrieved from https://convictrecords.com.au/ships/baring
  18. New Zealand Yesteryears Passenger Lists 1800 to 1900 (Retrieved 26th March 2019). Retrieved from http://www.yesteryears.co.nz/shipping/passlist.html
  19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Indies
  20. American War Memorials - Flight 1285. (Retrieved 2016, August 24) . Retrieved from http://www.uswarmemorials.org/html/monument_details.php?SiteID=317&MemID=550
  21. H.M.S. Hood Association-Battle Cruiser Hood: Crew Information - H.M.S. Hood Rolls of Honour, Men Lost in the Sinking of H.M.S. Hood, 24th May 1941. (Retrieved 2016, July 15) . Retrieved from http://www.hmshood.com/crew/memorial/roh_24may41.htm
  22. HMS Prince of Wales Crew members. (Retrieved 2014, April 9) . Retrieved from http://www.forcez-survivors.org.uk/biographies/listprincecrew.html
  23. Ships hit by U-boats crew list HMS Royal Oak (08) - (Retrieved 2018 February, 9th) - retrieved from https://uboat.net/allies/merchants/crews/ship68.html
  24. Titanic Passenger List - Titanic Facts. (Retrieved 2016, July 13) . Retrieved from http://www.titanicfacts.net/titanic-passenger-list.html


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